Fostering a Multilingual Mindset – Strategies for Promoting Multilingualism in Education

In today’s rapidly evolving world, multilingualism is not just an advantage—it is a necessity. However, in many educational systems, heritage languages are often overshadowed by dominant languages, limiting students’ linguistic potential. How can educators create an inclusive learning environment that embraces and leverages multilingualism?

This interactive workshop provides research-backed strategies for fostering a multilingual mindset in the classroom, ensuring that students can retain and develop multiple languages while excelling academically. Drawing from real-world case studies in the UAE, where over 200 nationalities coexist, this session will explore:

• Translanguaging as an instructional strategy – Practical ways to enhance student comprehension and engagement using their full linguistic repertoire.
  
• Balancing dominant and heritage languages – Strategies for maintaining linguistic equity without compromising curriculum goals.
• Creating an accessible multilingual classroom – How to promote language inclusion through adaptive teaching practices, learning materials, and digital tools.
• Engaging families and communities – Strengthening school-home partnerships to support heritage language retention.

This hands-on session includes collaborative problem-solving, real-world scenarios, and interactive discussions, ensuring participants leave with practical, implementable takeaways. Attendees will receive a Multilingual Classroom Accessibility Checklist and explore how digital tools can support multilingual learners effectively.

By integrating UAE-based research and best practices in multilingual education, this workshop will equip educators with inclusive strategies that enhance accessibility, linguistic empowerment, and equitable learning opportunities for all students.